Name: Don't Kill Me
Genre: Horror
Released: 2021-04-21T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Alice Pagani, Rocco Fasano, Silvia Calderoni, Fabrizio Ferracane, Sergio Albelli

The moment Mirta’s fingers twitch back to life, her eyes snapping open with a ravenous hunger, Don’t Kill Me seizes its opportunity to blend romance and horror into something unexpectedly visceral. Directed by Andrea De Sica, this Italian romantic horror film, based on Chiara Palazzolo’s novel, follows 19-year-old Mirta (Alice Pagani) as she awakens from a drug-induced death to discover she’s become an “Overdead”—a creature caught between the living and the undead. The premise is gripping, promising a fresh take on the vampire-zombie genre.

What works best in Don’t Kill Me is its raw, unfiltered portrayal of Mirta’s transformation. Pagani delivers a performance that oscillates between vulnerability and ferocity, making Mirta’s struggle to reconcile her newfound appetite for human flesh with her lingering humanity genuinely compelling. The film’s early scenes, where Mirta grapples with her condition, are particularly effective. A standout moment is when she tentatively approaches a stranger on the street, her hunger palpable as she fights the urge to attack.

The film’s setting in Alto Adige and Rome adds a layer of atmospheric richness. The stark contrast between the serene landscapes of Alto Adige and the gritty streets of Rome mirrors Mirta’s internal conflict. De Sica’s direction is often inventive, using tight close-ups and unsettling sound design to heighten the tension.

However, Don’t Kill Me stumbles in its execution of the romantic elements. The relationship between Mirta and Robin (Rocco Fasano) feels underdeveloped, and their chemistry lacks the depth needed to make their tragic love story resonate. Additionally, the film’s pacing is uneven, with some scenes dragging while others feel rushed.

The supporting cast, including Silvia Calderoni as Sara and Fabrizio Ferracane as Luca Bertozzi, adds depth to the narrative but is often overshadowed by Pagani’s powerful performance. The film’s attempt to blend horror and romance sometimes results in a tonal disconnect, leaving the audience unsure of whether to feel horror or heartbreak.

Ultimately, Don’t Kill Me is a film that has moments of brilliance but struggles to find its footing. It’s a tragedy that can’t fully commit to its romanticism and a thriller that hesitates to embrace its horror elements.